US President Joe Biden on Monday spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praising him for his “message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support” for Ukraine.
In a post on X, Biden expressed his appreciation for PM’s efforts, highlighting their discussion about Modi’s recent visit to Poland and Ukraine. “I spoke with Prime Minister Modi to discuss his recent trip to Poland and Ukraine, and commended him for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine,” Biden wrote.
US President further added: “We also affirmed our commitment to work together to contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”
Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Kyiv on August 23 has been viewed as a diplomatic balancing act, particularly following his trip to Russia last month, which had attracted criticism from the Biden administration and concern from several Western capitals.
Modi had urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage in direct talks with Russia to end the war and offered India’s readiness to play an “active role” in restoring peace.
In addition to Biden’s announcement on X about his conversation with PM Modi, the White House released a readout of the call. It detailed discussions about Modi’s recent visits to Poland and Ukraine, “as well as the United Nations General Assembly meetings in September.”
The White House praised Modi’s visits, noting they were “the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector.”
Modi and Biden “affirmed their continued support for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with international law, on the basis of the UN Charter,” the White House said.
However, the White House readout of the call did not reference Bangladesh, even though it was mentioned in a post by PM Modi on X.
Discussed Bangladesh situation with Biden: PM Modi
In his post, PM Modi noted that he and Biden discussed a range of regional and global issues, including the situation in Ukraine and Bangladesh.
“We also discussed the situation in Bangladesh and stressed on the need for early restoration of normalcy, and ensuring the safety and security of minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh,” Prime Minister Modi wrote.
In the immediate aftermath of Sheikh Hasina’s fall, attacks on Hindus across Muslim-majority Bangladesh were reported. India has been consistently pressing to ensure the safety and security of minorities, especially Hindus, in that country. The security situation has since far improved.
